An Official International Optical Exhibition"China International Optics Fair (CIOF) is one of two annual optical shows in China that enjoys official endorsement and support. In China, official approval and sponsorship are half the ticket to success. These shows are equipped with the right credentials; they are approved by the Ministry of Commerce and supported by the China National Light Industry Council. The latter is the authorized body that supervises the light industry of the country, and optics is one of them. The shows are organized by the China Optometry & Optical Association (COOA), the body that governs the optical industry of China, and the Sinolight International Holdings Corporation (SIHC), the state-owned enterprise that runs international trade in China. They are co-organized by Orient International Exhibition Co., Ltd. from Hong Kong. In fact, the dates of the shows fit perfectly into China's bi-annual procurement seasons. Furthermore, the shows are recognized by the Ministry of Commerce as "Distinguished Optical Exhibitions".